Mike stepped into Lenormand’s office. “This is a first, you calling me.” Mike sat down on the couch and stretched out. “What’s up?”
Lenormand sat down in the chair across from him. “I had a couple of visits from Teddy.”
Mike pursed his lips. “Okay.”
“He told me a few things that you did with him. First of all, you are aware he’s a minor?”
“I’m very aware of that.” Mike sat up straighter. “He’s almost of age–”
“He’s still young. He’s not ready for an adult relationship.”
“I told him he could see other people.”
“How did you tell him?”
“What do you mean ‘how’?”
“Did you tell him it was okay to see other people, or did you tell him something like, ‘Oh, you can see other people if you really want to.'”
Mike crossed his arms. “Maybe both?”
“You can see the difference between the two, can’t you?”
“I’m not stupid.”
“I never said you were. The second implies guilt. He can see other people, but only on your terms.” Lenormand sat back. “What’s this about Bruce?”
“He was a vampire. He was going to use Teddy.”
“Did you tell him that?”
“Sort of. But he didn’t care.”
“Maybe because he cared about Bruce, not you?”
Mike shrugged. “Maybe…”
“Mike. He’s not ready for a relationship.”
“He doesn’t want one anymore.”
“With you.”
Mike shrugged again.
“Will you respect that?”
“Sure.”
“That means not harassing him.”
“I’m not going to harass him.”
“You’re thinking about it.”
“I’m not going to harass him. I’m going to give him some tougher assignments.”
“That’s a form of harassment.”
“Jesus Christ, giving him tougher assignments is harassment?”
“Provided it doesn’t put him in danger.”
“It won’t.” Mike got up. “Is that all you wanted to talk to me about?”
“I want you to be careful, Mike. He’s very tender right now. And if people find out…”
“Who’s going to find out?” Mike stood looming over Lenormand.
Lenormand slowly looked up at Mike. “Depends. Depends on what you do to him.”
“Are you threatening me?”
Lenormand got up slowly. “Are you?”
The two men stood eye to eye. Mike snorted, turned away. “Don’t bother calling me again, Lenormand.” He stormed to the door, threw it open and strode out.
